INDIA - ORPHANAGE EXPERIENCE - Photographs by Clark Lorimor

KINDEREN IN INDIA - FOUNDATION "ISAI MA(I)YAM" -

The Foundation Isai Ma(i)yam, active in and near Pondicherry (South India), gives the opportunity to children from among the poorer population to develop their musical talents. In order to apply they must have received an elementary education and to have been initially taught in at least two instruments. When the young-adults are sufficiently motivated, the foundation helps them on their way to their final degree as music teacher and/or soloist, at the Pondicherry College of Arts.

Part of the agreement is that, in their turn, the graduates give music lessons at schools in South India, thereby introducing pupils in a playful way to the English language.

The foundation has for its purposes two houses in Pondicherry, two houses in nearby villages (Anai Nagar and Kottakarai) and a plantation for natural medicine in Auroville, where the opportunity is provided to give performances for people from the surrounding villages.

Isai Ma(i)yam is Tamil, meaning: Centre for Music. The foundation is conducted by Ivar Jenten, the founder, and Helga van Kolck, project coordinator in Pondicherry and musical coach of the children. They are assisted in their work by Dutch and Indian volunteers and professional helpers who work at cost price for the secretariat, finances, publicity and as guest teachers.